Biography

I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania USA.  Upon finishing my secondary schooling, I opted to leave the state and attend The Ohio State University where I double-majored in Psychology and Classical Humanities.  This is also the place where I became interested in sexual health.

In my second year, I took a post at the Student Wellness Center working as an office assistant and 'sexpert' (sexual health expert).  From that point on, I was destined to make a career in sexual health.

In 2008 when I graduated from OSU, I began a distance learning Master of Health Science program at the University of Sydney.  The flexibility of the degree allowed me to stay in my home country, but still spend time in Australia for some of the course modules.  I completed this degree in one and a half years due to also working full-time at a psychiatric hospital.

After completing my masters degree, I decided that I did not want to stop there so I applied and was accepted here at the University of Sussex.  Thus far, the experience of studying in a third country has been great. 

Role

Doctoral Student in the Department of Sociology

AT in the Department of Sociology

Community and Business

Since April 2011, I have worked for the Sussex Community NHS Trust in the Brighton and Hove Chlamydia Screening Office.  In this role, I assisted with a programme evaluation of the Brighton and Hove C-card scheme.  

Qualifications

DPhil Sociology, current

PGDip in Cross-Cultural Research Methods, current

MHSc in Sexual Health, 2009 University of Sydney

Double BA in Psychology and Classical Humanities, 2008 The Ohio State University

Activities

I have a strong passion for music and in particular drumming.  I spent two years with The Ohio State University Marching Band during my undergraduate education and now I am affiliated with The 6th Drum and Bugle Corps, where for the current season, I am participating in the pit.

Throughtout my education I have developed a keen interest in sexual health, sexuality and mental health.  All of which are current research and employment interests of mine.

My current research project (DPhil) involves examining the current state of sex education in southeast England, focusing on sexual orientation.  With this investigation I am looking to answer the following four questions,

(1) Have sex education curriculums and policies historically been and are they currently heteronormative?

(2) What is the current state of sex education in England from the perspective of teachers and young persons, focusing on sexuality in various educational settings?

(3) Is there a significant difference in participant’s views based on the type of school that they attend?

(4) What are the perceived differences in sexual orientation aspects of sex education between straight and LGBT participants?

Associate Tutor

2011-2012

Autumn: 2nd yr. core course Designing Sociological Research I (2 groups)

2012-2013

Autumn: 2nd yr. core course Designing Sociological Research I (3 groups)

Spring: 1st yr. core course Gender and the Life Course (3 Groups) [Scheduled]

Spring: Erasmus teaching exchange at the University of Iceland [Scheduled]

Guest Lecture:

"Research in Practice" for the course Sexual Health Adviser: The Developing Role

School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Brighton 14 Oct. 2011

Student Consultation

My office hour is every Tuesday 12:00-13:00.  If you cannot make this time, please contact me via e-mail david.evans@sussex.ac.uk and we can make other arrangements.